How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Maine (The Guide)
Before your Maine LLC can be fully operational, note that there is a turnaround period for the Maine Secretary of State to receive, verify and process your LLC documents of registration.
As a business consultant, I've helped clients establish 15 LLCs in Maine over the past 6 years. After filing through all 4 Secretary of State methods, I’ll share with you the best Maine LLC filing options and the corresponding time necessary to complete them.
Quick Summary
- It may take 35 to 40 business days to form an LLC in Maine by mail with standard processing.
- Maine offers expedited service for an additional $50 (24-hour approval) or $100 (same-day processing).
- According to data from Lending Tree, 10,387 business applications were filed in Maine during the first 9 months of 2023.
- Having helped clients form an LLC in Maine, I can attest that expedited mail filing is the most efficient option available.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Maine?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Maine is by filing through mail using the expedited service. Depending on the expedited option you select, your formation papers may be processed either the same day ($100 fee) or within 24 hours ($50 fee).
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, from March 2022 to March 2023, 7,027 Maine establishments opened [1].
Download the Certificate of Formation from the Secretary of State website. Once you complete all details, mail the documents to the following addresses:
US Postal Service:
Department of the Secretary of State
Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
FedEx/UPS:
Department of the Secretary of State
Corporations, UCC and Commissions
6 E. Chestnut Street, 5th Floor
Augusta, ME 04330
LLC Processing Time in Maine
The Secretary of State offers mail filing with optional expedited processing for faster approvals. Maine does not currently offer online LLC formation filing.
Let’s look at each filing method and its processing time.
1. Expedited Maine LLC Processing Time By Mail (Same-day or 24-hour processing)
The Maine Bureau of Corporations offers the following expedited processing options for your certificate of formation:
- $50 for 24 hours turnaround
- $100 for same-day processing
I use the same-day processing service for clients who need to establish an LLC as quickly as possible.
2. Standard Maine LLC Processing Time By Mail (35-40 business days)
Standard mail filings are currently processed within 35 to 40 business days [2].
Download the Certificate of Formation online, complete your business information, and mail the document along with the $175 filing fee and a Customer Contact Cover Letter to the Secretary of State [3].
Include the following on your cover letter:
- Your Name
- Phone number
- Mailing address
3. Maine LLC Processing Time In Person (35-40 business days)
Hand-delivered LLC paperwork follows the same 35 to 40 business day processing timeline as standard mail submissions. I advise my clients to pay the expedite fee if they need approval sooner.
"Staying updated on any changes in Maine's business laws and regulations can help expedite the LLC formation process."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Maine LLCs
The processing time may be delayed due to the following reasons:
- Filings backlog: The Secretary of State may adjust the hours for processing new application to catch up on filings backlog.
- Documentation: Your application may also be delayed if there are missing documents or the requirements are incomplete.
- Weekends and holidays: If you filed before this period, the state will process your application on the succeeding business days. That’s why I advise my clients to file during a Monday or early in the working week.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Maine LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Maine LLC formation during the processing period through the online Corporate Search portal.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Maine?
There's no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Maine. The state reviews and approves the application in the order they are received.
Do I Need a Registered Agent Before Filing My Maine LLC?
Yes, you need a registered agent before filing your Maine LLC. The registered agent must have a physical Maine address to receive legal documents on behalf of your limited liability company. You can serve as your own registered agent or hire a commercial service.
What Do I Need After Forming My Maine LLC?
After forming your Maine LLC, you need a federal employer identification number (federal tax ID) from the IRS and a business bank account. Register with Maine Revenue Services, draft an operating agreement for your single member LLC or multi-member business entity, and obtain required business licenses.
References:
- https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Maine.pdf
- https://www.maine.gov/sos/corporations-commissions/corporations-business-services
- https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/forms/mllc/mllc6.pdf
